Like many of you, I have a hodgepodge of reusable grocery sacks that I keep on hand to carry my groceries. Though eco-minded shoppers rave about the benefits of these bags, some recent reports have indicated that they may not be as “green” as they appear. The not-so-green side of reusable grocery bags The resources required to … [Read more...] about Are Reusable Grocery Bags Really Green?
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The Sounds in a Home with a God-Honoring Aura (Part 2)
Televisions, DVD players, and stereos are fixtures in the vast majority of American homes. In fact, their presence and use are so commonplace that it is easy to overlook their impact on the environments in our homes. Last week we examined how communication can influence the aura—the overall quality or environment—in a home. Today let’s … [Read more...] about The Sounds in a Home with a God-Honoring Aura (Part 2)
The Dream in Fulfillment: What My Interracial Marriage Has Taught Me About Racial Harmony in the U.S.
I tend to be reflective on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day because it is Dr. King and other leaders like him who pioneered the changes that make my marriage possible. As many of you know, I am white and my husband is black. I’m often asked about our experience with interracial marriage. Did your family accept him? Did his family accept you? Is it … [Read more...] about The Dream in Fulfillment: What My Interracial Marriage Has Taught Me About Racial Harmony in the U.S.
Lessons Learned in 2013
Last year presented many opportunities to learn and grow. As I complete my goal setting and prepare for 2014, several of the lessons I’ve learned stand out. The perfect is the enemy of the good I’ve become familiar with the veracity of this aphorism courtesy of my tendency to be a perfectionist. I’ll often tinker with work that is … [Read more...] about Lessons Learned in 2013
Dare to Prepare: Introduction to Disaster Preparedness
What is the longest period of time you’ve gone without electricity? A couple of hours after a bad thunderstorm? A few days while camping? A week while on a mission trip to a developing country? During the aftermath of Hurricane Ike in 2008, I went 15 consecutive days without electricity. This episode wasn’t exactly convenient, but I learned … [Read more...] about Dare to Prepare: Introduction to Disaster Preparedness
Resources for Christians on Race Relations
This past weekend the media was abuzz with conversations about race relations. Many of these conversations began months ago, but were reinvigorated this last weekend when the verdict was rendered in the much-publicized trial of George Zimmerman for the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. While the role of race in this tragedy is … [Read more...] about Resources for Christians on Race Relations
Countering TV Commercials’ Portrayal of Dads as Incompetent
It’s common to see TV commercials portray dads as blundering and inept. The following commercials for Eggo Waffles and T-Mobile are examples. Though an uncritical perusal of these ads may provoke laughter, are they all in good fun or could they be harmful? Let’s consider this question in honor of Father’s Day. (Keep in mind, though, … [Read more...] about Countering TV Commercials’ Portrayal of Dads as Incompetent
Triclosan in Antibacterial Products: Harmful or Helpful?
Triclosan, a synthetic, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, has been added to various products including soaps, cosmetics, fabrics, and plastics since the 1970s. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asserts that triclosan is not known to be harmful to humans, they also state that regulators do not have scientific research demonstrating … [Read more...] about Triclosan in Antibacterial Products: Harmful or Helpful?
